They Didn’t Have to, but Dick’s Will No Longer Sell Asssault-Style Rifles

This was 100% a voluntary move by Dick's. Once you find out why, it's pretty heartbreaking.

UPDATE: As of 5 p.m. today (Wednesday, February 28th) Walmart says it is also raising the age to purchase a firearm to 21 years old. They'll also be removing assault-style weapons from their website.

Since the school shooting in Florida, it seems everyone in America is talking about guns. From companies severing their association with the NRA, to politicians vying to protect the second amendment, to one of the school shooting survivors gaining more Twitter followers than the NRA. Everyone has an opinion on the matter, and now more than ever folks are letting it be known which side their on.

In the case of Dick's Sporting Goods, this story hits closer to home than most. In a lengthy press release, the company divulged that they legally sold a shotgun to the Parkland shooter in November 2017 (that weapon was not used in the school shooting). Dick's is making some major changes in how it will approach the sale of firearms in the future, and they've made it clear why:

We support and respect the Second Amendment, and we recognize and appreciate that the vast majority of gun owners in this country are responsible, law-abiding citizens. But we have to help solve the problem that’s in front of us. Gun violence is an epidemic that’s taking the lives of too many people, including the brightest hope for the future of America – our kids.

Starting today, Dick's will no longer be selling:

Assault-style rifles aka modern sporting rifles (These were actually pulled form Dick's shelves after the Sandy Hook massacre, but Dick's is also pulling them from all their Field & Stream stores)

Firearms to anyone under the age of 21

High-capacity magazines

Bump stocks (Which they never sold in the first place)

Dick's is also calling for politicians to follow their lead to raise the minimum age to buy a gun, and also ban the sale of assault-style weapons. You can read the entire release here.

While it's a bold move, Dick's sums up their reasoning nicely:

We deeply believe that this country’s most precious gift is our children. They are our future. We must keep them safe.